For the third successive year, Variety, a leading entertainment publication, is collaborating with Gold House, a prominent cultural ecosystem, to unveil their highly anticipated "8 Asian Pacifics Up Next in Entertainment" list. This significant initiative is dedicated to spotlighting and celebrating the remarkable achievements and rising influence of Asian Pacific professionals across various facets of the global entertainment landscape. The selection process meticulously identifies eight changemakers who are making substantial strides and fostering innovation within film, television, music, and theater, encompassing actors, skilled artisans, and influential industry executives. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to championing diversity and recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Asian Pacific community in shaping contemporary entertainment.

Variety and Gold House Announce Third Annual "8 Up Next" List, Celebrating Asian Pacific Innovators

On March 9, 2026, Variety officially announced its renewed collaboration with Gold House for the third annual "8 Asian Pacifics Up Next in Entertainment" list, slated for publication on May 6. This prestigious list will feature eight visionary Asian Pacific individuals who are creating significant impact across the entertainment spectrum. The selection process, a joint effort between Variety and Gold House, focuses on identifying leaders in diverse fields such as film, television, music, and theater, including actors, artisans, and industry executives. The goal is to highlight those who are not only achieving personal success but also actively opening doors and making waves for others within the Asian Pacific community.

Variety's senior artisans editor, Jazz Tangcay, articulated the organization's enduring dedication to promoting bold storytellers and boundary-breakers. She expressed honor in once again partnering with Gold House to uncover a new cohort of industry visionaries who exemplify the rich tapestry of the Asian Pacific community. Tiffany Chao, Vice President of Entertainment & Media at Gold House, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the third iteration of "8 API Up Next" and noting the increasing emergence of nuanced and culturally rich Asian Pacific narratives in film and television. Previous honorees have included notable talents such as Chase Sui Wonders from “The Studio,” Dichen Lachman from “Severance,” Dana LeDoux Miller, co-director of “Moana 2,” Young Mazino of “The Last of Us” and “Beef,” and director Sean Wang, among others. Submissions for this year's list closed on April 3, with the final selections promising to showcase a new generation of influential figures.

This ongoing partnership between Variety and Gold House serves as a powerful testament to the growing recognition and celebration of Asian Pacific talent in entertainment. It highlights the critical importance of diversity and inclusion, not just as buzzwords, but as fundamental principles that enrich the creative landscape. By actively seeking out and promoting these changemakers, the initiative fosters a more equitable and representative industry, inspiring future generations and demonstrating the profound cultural and economic influence of the Asian Pacific community. This collaboration stands as a beacon for aspiring artists and professionals, illustrating that talent, vision, and dedication from all backgrounds are increasingly valued and elevated on a global stage.